Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Water Tips  |  Fire Tips   |  Biohazard Tips   |  Mold Tips

While you might not want to consider the possibility of fire loss incidents to your Brooklyn area home or apartment, aging structures present risks like faulty or degrading wiring that could combust. How you manage the fire emergency regarding the notification of our restoration team, and your insurance provider can work to ensure that mitigation and recovery begin as promptly as possible. Our SERVPRO professionals can arrive quickly, but here are some things that you can do until we arrive when it is safe to do so: 

  • Begin assessing the property for losses and damage. Photograph areas and damaged belongings for insurance records. 
  • Begin working to ventilate areas of the house where smoke might be concentrated the most. Do not run your air conditioner or heater at this time. 
  • Close doors and seal areas only mildly (or currently unaffected) by migrating fire effects. 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (718) 522-4400

What To Do After A Fire

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Visit our updated page